Statewide tornado drill to be held on Wednesday at 9:50AM

Columbus, OH – If you hear tornado sirens Wednesday morning, don’t worry. A statewide tornado drill will be held on Wednesday, March 24 at 9:50AM.

The test is part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, which runs from March 21-27. The week’s propose is to remind Ohioans that disasters can happen anytime and anywhere, and that they should be prepared.

“Severe weather is not going to put itself on hold because of COVID-19. Ohio’s temperatures often fluctuate between cold and warm during late winter or early spring, which is the perfect formula for tornadoes,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. “Fortunately, we haven’t had any tornadoes this winter. But last January, two separate EF-0 tornadoes touched down in Miami County on the same day. Being a Midwestern state, we have to be ready. Severe Weather Awareness Week is the perfect time to not only restock your emergency supplies, but also review your emergency plans and practice your safety drills.”

One of the points of the week is informative people the differences between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and near areas designated by the National Weather Service. In a watch, you should be ready to move to a place of safety if the watch is upgraded to a warning or if threatening weather approaches. A warning means a tornado is imminent or has been sighted. In a warning, you should seek a safe shelter immediately.

Another point is to remind people that in a tornado warning, they need to D.U.C.K.

D – Go DOWN to the lowest level, stay away from windows.
U – Get UNDER something (such as a basement staircase or heavy table or desk).
C – COVER the head.
K – KEEP in shelter until the storm has passed.